College staff have overwhelmingly backed a motion of no confidence in Scottish Government and Education Secretary Mike Russell.

Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) claimed "significant cuts" by the Scottish Government were leading to "diminished colleges" that were providing students with fewer opportunities.

It comes after figures revealed the number of students at college had fallen by about 120,000 since the SNP came to power in 2007.

Labour education spokesman Hugh Henry said college staff had "seen the damage Mike Russell and the SNP Government are doing to further education in Scotland".

He added: "The deception and betrayal is causing unprecedented anger."

The motion, passed at the annual meeting of the EIS further education lecturers' association, stated: "This conference expresses no confidence in their stewardship of the college sector, which has led to significant cuts, leading to a diminished colleges offering far fewer opportunities to young people and adult returners."

Figures from the Scottish Funding Council last week showed there were a total of 257,913 full and part-time students enrolled at college in 2011-12, down 121,320 from 2007-08.

The Scottish Governmen highlighted the record number of 61,304 16 to 24-year-olds who were on a full-time, funded college course last year. However, Mr Henry said yesterday's vote "shows just how serious the situation has become in Scotland's colleges".

He added: "College staff no longer have any faith in Mike Russell but it will make no difference because Alex Salmond and Mike Russell are working hand-in-hand to destroy morale in Scotland's colleges."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Our commitment to Scotland's further education sector is clear. We have increased funding by £61 million over the spending review period and we are giving the sector the necessary framework for better college governance through the Post 16 Education Bill."